Acai Bowls: Beneficial Blends

by Keasi Smith

Eating healthy is trending, and that’s good for business owners Shea Atkin and Chantelle Yandow, who cofounded AXIOS salt spa + juice bar in 2013, seeking to give the community a welcoming space that offered natural and holistic health care treatments. “We’re all about connecting people and meeting them wherever they’re at on their journey,” said Shea, a licensed massage therapist who also specializes in Trauma Touch therapy, “AXIOS means ‘balance,’ and we want to offer a space where people can achieve this balance.” Offering an array of wellness services, including salt therapy, massage therapy and skin and body care, they also added a juice bar. “The juice aspect came because we wanted to reach people at the varying degrees of where they’re at,” said Shea, “If they’re coming in for trauma or recovery but are also trying to get physically healthy, we want to have that available also.”

AXIOS’ juice bar offers high-quality ingredients to make each juice blend or smoothie. More uniquely, there’s a blend for nearly every body system, including juice blends for your immune system, your cardiovascular system, your digestive system and more. You can also satisfy your sweet craving by trying an acai bowl, a thick concoction full of flavor and, of course, mixed with acai juice, which has been heralded for a variety of health benefits. “We’re reminding people that healthy can also mean tasty,” said Shea, “Food is so much more than just filling you up. It’s your vitamins. It’s going to help you heal.” A one-stop shop for getting well and feeling better, the most rewarding aspect of starting this business has been the results. “For us, it’s about seeing what happens when people are willing to make just one small change,” said Shea, “We love being a part of that transformation.”

Green Acai Bowl

4 oz. Acai Juice

1 banana

1/2 avocado

1/2 cup strawberries

1/2 cup blueberries

1 handful spinach

1 handful kale

1 scoop of ice

Oats at the bottom of the bowl

Top with coconut, granola, hemp seeds and blueberries

Strawberry Limeade Smoothie

1 peach

1 cup strawberries

1 lime

6 oz. almond milk

1 scoop of ice

1 tablespoon chia seeds (optional)

Blueberry Oat Smoothie

½ cup blueberries

½ banana

¼ cup oats

1 tablespoon chia seeds

4 oz. almond milk

¼ cup Greek yogurt

1 scoop of ice

Hide Your Kale Smoothie

1 handful of kale

½ cup pineapple

½ cup mango

1 banana

4 oz. almond milk

1 scoop of ice

Directions: For each of these smoothie recipes, combine the recipe’s ingredients in a blender and blend until a desired consistency is reached. Pour into a glass and enjoy!